Happy McNair leads Ravens

October 30, 2006

NEW ORLEANS -- Blasted off his feet as he threw, Steve McNair lay on his back for a moment, then propped up his head, grinning after another first-down pass. In his return from a concussion and strained neck two weeks ago, McNair never shied away from contact, throwing accurately in the face of penetrating defenders or scrambling for key first downs. By the time the New Orleans Saints figured out how to slow him down, McNair had run for one touchdown and thrown for two more as the Baltimore Ravens snapped a two-game losing streak with a 35-22 victory Sunday.

Ravens story line

The Ravens' defense was dominant, accounting for two touchdowns on a pair of 12-yard interception returns by Ronnie Prude and Dawan Landry. The Ravens (5-2) used crisp play-action fakes out of running formations to pass for several key first downs and took a 7-0 lead on a 5-yard quarterback draw.

Saints story line

New Orleans (5-2) lost for the first time in the Louisiana Superdome this season. The Saints could not run the ball, finishing with only 35 yards on 14 carries. Drew Brees was intercepted three times, twice on deflections, and sacked twice. Joe Horn became the Saints' all-time leader in touchdown catches when he hauled in his 49th, a 32-yard scoring pass in the second quarter.

Fantasy figures

McNair finished 17-of-23 for 159 yards.

Ravens RB Jamal Lewis gained 109 yards on 31 carries.

Ray Lewis had six tackles for Baltimore.

Rookie Marques Colston had touchdown catches of 47 and 25 yards in the fourth quarter and has six TDs this season for the Saints.

Reggie Bush had 16 yards rushing on five carries and four catches for 5 yards but also fumbled and threw an interception.

Injuries of note

Bush went to the locker room favoring his left ankle in the fourth quarter but later said he did not expect to miss a game.

Postgame chat

"[Jamal Lewis] is running hard and physical and that's the style running game we're going to have. It's great to get him cranked up." -- Ravens Coach Brian Billick

"It was a combination of them kind of beating our butt a little bit and us not getting any breaks." -- Saints LB Scott Fujita

The last word

The Ravens got going in time for an AFC North showdown at home next week against Cincinnati. Both are 3-1 in the division.